WGAP bares circuit, quest for top amateurs

The Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines with over 300 active members will embark on their 2004 circuit on May 3, at the Malarayat Golf and Country Club with participants from 15 clubs vying for top honors in team and individual categories.

A total of 8 legs, with competition in three classes, will comprise the circuit. It will resume at Manila Golf Club for its second leg on May 17, 18, and 21, then move to Riviera Jun 21-22, Orchard-Jul 12, Forrest Hills-July 26, Southwoods-Aug. 10-11, Wack Wack-Sept 21-22, and end at Sta. Elena on Oct. 25. Teams in the fold include Aguinaldo, Alabang, Canlubang, Forest Hills, Manila Golf, Manila Southwoods, Mt. Malarayat, Orchard, Phil. Navy, Riviera, Royal Northwoods, Sta. Elena, Valley Golf, Villamor, and Wack Wack. After the circuit is a showdown among the top five teams vying for the WGAP Cup Perpetual Trophy with the Ryder Cup format in November.

The quest for the top amateur golfers will be the main feature of the circuit. Newly elected WGAP president Nancy Ortiga has formulated a ranking point system based on gross scores and tournament standings. Performances of the qualifying amateurs will be monitored with a year long search applying on major tournaments such as the WGAP Circuit, the LUZVIMIN at Cebu Country Club on Aug.18-20, the NGAP’s Southern Ladies in Cagayan de Oro on Feb. 2005, DHL Amateur Open at Canlubang, and Samsung Amateur Tour May-Jan 2005. The Philippine Ladies Open on Jan. 2005 will provide the highest bearing factor.

"The ranking was also designed in consideration for the ladies from the Visayas and Mindanao," stated Ms. Ortiga. "This would be in line with the ideals to develop the sport for ladies from all over the country." Results of the ranking could be used as a basis for training and possible berths in the national team.

Other directors of the WGAP board include: Vice Pres. Amelou Juinio, secretary Adette Puzon, treasurer Elo Campos, tournament chair Phine Obmaces, handicap chair Josei Amon, membership-Lolit Arguelles, Prizes-Farah Imperial, PRO-Rio Co and ex-officio member Gina Tuason.